Translation guide
Describes behavior, speech, or attitudes typical of a child, often with negative connotations of immaturity. Japanese offers several words and phrases depending on whether you mean 'innocently childlike' or 'immaturely childish'.
To describe someone or something as immature, silly, or acting below their age, often with a critical tone.
The most direct equivalent for 'childish' in a negative sense. Implies immaturity, lack of sophistication, or pettiness. Commonly used for behavior, ideas, or arguments.
His way of thinking is childish.
Stop making such childish excuses.
Literally 'child-like', but often used negatively to mean 'childish' or 'immature'. Can also be neutral depending on context, but usually carries a slight negative nuance when referring to adults.
He's already 30, but he has a childish side.
Means 'unbecoming of an adult', 'immature', or 'childish'. Used when someone fails to act their age, especially in situations requiring maturity.
It's childish to get angry over something like that.
Let's stop this childish fight.
To describe something as charmingly innocent, naive, or reminiscent of a child's pure qualities, without negative judgment.
Means 'innocent', 'naive', or 'childlike' in a positive sense. Often used for a pure, unspoiled nature, but can sometimes imply a lack of worldly knowledge.
I love her innocent smile.
Describes an innocent, artless, childlike charm, often used for appearance or expressions. More literary or poetic than 無邪気.
Means 'pure-hearted', 'naive', or 'innocent'. Emphasizes purity of heart, often used in more formal or written contexts.
To describe the way someone speaks as childish, either because they use baby talk or because their language is unsophisticated.
Refers to 'baby talk' or words used by/for young children. Not inherently negative, but using it as an adult can be seen as childish.
It's a bit weird for adults to use baby talk.
Literally 'insufficient tongue', meaning a lisping or childish way of speaking. Often used to describe cute but immature speech.
To describe actions that are silly, immature, or typical of a child's mischief.
Means 'mischief' or 'prank'. While not always negative, it can imply childish behavior when done by adults.
He's always playing childish pranks.
Slangy, from ガキ (brat). Means 'bratty' or 'childish' in a rough, derogatory way. Used mainly in casual speech.
Cut out the childish jokes.
幼稚 (ようち) is the most direct and common for 'childish' in a negative sense, implying immaturity. 子供っぽい (こどもっぽい) can be neutral or negative depending on context, often describing appearance or behavior that resembles a child's. 大人げない (おとなげない) specifically criticizes someone for not acting their age, focusing on the lack of adult maturity.
Directly translating 'childish' as 子供の (こどもの) or 子供のような (こどものような) is usually unnatural. These mean 'child's' or 'like a child' and lack the negative nuance of 'childish' unless context makes it clear. Use 幼稚 or 子供っぽい instead.
You should fix that childish attitude.
It's hard to answer children's innocent questions.
Looking at her innocent sleeping face is soothing.
彼の純真な性格は周りの人を惹きつける。
His innocent personality attracts people around him.
Her lisping way of speaking is cute.